Hohenbaden Old Castle

About

High above the famous spa town of Baden-Baden, the ruins of Hohenbaden Old Castle (Altes Schloss) stand on the rocky slopes of the Battert mountain, offering one of the most atmospheric historic sites in the northern Black Forest. Built around 1100 by Margrave Hermann II, the castle served as the residence of the Margraves of Baden for nearly 400 years and even gave its name to the region of Baden. Originally constructed as a hilltop fortress, Hohenbaden was expanded over the centuries into a prestigious noble residence. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Gothic lower castle was added, transforming the complex into an impressive seat of power. At its height, the castle is believed to have contained around one hundred rooms, making it one of the most significant residences in the region. Today, visitors can wander through the extensive ruins and discover the remains of the Upper Castle and Lower Castle, connected by courtyards, towers, and defensive walls. The impressive Bernhardsbau, once one of the castle’s principal buildings, hints at the wealth and status of the ruling margraves. Massive stone walls, medieval gateways, and surviving towers help visitors imagine the scale of the fortress during its heyday.

Baden-Baden Germany

Location

Hohenbaden Old Castle sits on a wooded hillside above the town of Baden-Baden in Baden-Württemberg, at Alter Schlossweg 10, 76532 Baden-Baden. This medieval ruin was once the main residence of the Margraves of Baden and still offers open courtyards, towers, and wide views over the town, the Rhine plain, and the distant hills.You can wander freely through the remains, climb to the lookout points, and listen to the large wind harp in the old Knights’ Hall when the breeze is right. A restaurant and beer garden sit right by the walls for a quiet break. Paths lead through the surrounding forest to the Battert rocks, popular with climbers, and the New Castle of Baden-Baden is only a short distance away down the hill. The town itself, with its parks and thermal baths, lies just below. It’s a calm, open spot where the old stone walls, the forest, and the views over the Black Forest edge come together without any hurry.